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What I Learned from NCC

It was with great anticipation that I attended the AITP
National Collegiate Conference (NCC) in St. Louis this past week.
As a freshman AITP National Board Member, and
this being my first NCC, I was not quite sure what to expect.
I arrived to the convention center at the
Millennium Hotel and discovered many students, teachers and fellow board
members already bustling about, groups of students huddling and studying,
sponsors readying their booths, and the conference registration lines long but
moving quickly.
As the day progressed,
the convention's purpose became quite clear; this was all about the students;
our future Information Technology leaders.

In between Board meeting sessions, I attended many of the breakout
sessions and was fortunate to hear many of the subject-matter experts offering
invaluable instruction and advice.
I was
even able to sneak away during a break to visit the top of the famous Arch for
a different perspective on St. Louis altogether.

I've attended many conventions in the past,
but none with the sole purpose of recognizing students for their technical
achievements.
In the end, the most
rewarding aspect for me was the chance to converse directly with the students
and offer advice and guidance that will hopefully help shape their
careers.
I couldn't help but be
impressed with the poise and maturity of the students; engaging in intelligent
conversations while possessing both the optimism of young professionals and all
the confidence needed to succeed.

During
the closing awards dinner, as I looked around the massive room of 700+
attendees and watched these shining young students graciously and excitedly
accept their awards, it was clear to me that the future if IT is in good hands.

Comments...

Vince, unless you told people that you were a freshman Assocation Director, no one would have ever known. You handled yourself like the true professional that AITP elected and needs to continue to be relevant in the future.
Welcome aboard, you will make AITP and the Student Chapters as well a better place.
Alan Strong-Assocation Director, Western Region.